Research and Development

Research and Development- AQP9

Liver glucose production in type 2 diabetes - a target for therapy

Type 2 diabetics suffer from an over-production of sugar within the liver, which contributes to high blood glucose levels in patients. Normally, the liver produces and secretes glucose as a response to falling blood glucose levels, but in diabetes patients this mechanism is dysregulated and active at already high levels of glucose. Glycerol is an important substrate for glucose production. Apoglyx has shown that in animal models, inhibition of aquaporin-9 (AQP9) can reduce hepatic glucose production and thereby total blood glucose.

Small molecule inhibitors for AQP9- a unique and novel way for treating hyperglycemia

Apoglyx has developed 191 compounds in the lead series of which 46 have drug-like properties consistent with oral administration. Several of the most promising candidates have been tested in-vivo and we are continuing a program of pharmacokinetics, pharmacology, including multi-dose administration in-vivo efficacy studies.

The ultimate aim is to develop a once-daily, oral therapy for diabetes patients.